A Houthi spokesman said Friday that the rebels were not blocking traffic through the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, after they declared a maritime embargo this week on their foe Saudi Arabia. Despite the Houthi threats and course changes, traffic continues in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which has been key to Saudi exports after passage through Hormuz became fraught.

Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, 2026, sending tankers into U-turns and threatening oil prices above $100

If shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is disrupted Saudi Arabia would face increased security costs and reduced flexibility in export shipments, Ahmed Nagi added

Despite Houthi threats and a declared blockade against Saudi Arabia, oil shipments from Yanbu continue, though many Western tankers are going dark on transponders or rerouting via…